Interview with Leah Wise of Style Wise Blog - thoughtful, sustainable fashion

Hey, friends! If you've been hanging around the sustainability sphere, you've probably come across Leah's blog - StyleWise. I'm excited that she opted to be part of the interview series because I think hers is a blog that everyone should check out. Her articles are thoughtful, challenging and deep, you're bound to learn something about both ethical fashion and yourself. So, enjoy the interview below and don't forget to check out Style Wise!

Tell me about your blog – your main mission or ethos and what makes it great.

I run a blog on sustainable fashion with an emphasis on holistic social justice at stylewise-blog.com. In addition, I do freelance writing and consulting for social enterprises and faith-based organizations. Two big parts of my mission are nuance and accessibility: nuance because the category of ethics is complex and accessibility because we need to confront the class and culture-based assumptions of "ethical consumption" before everyone can join in. I also want to make sure people have straightforward shopping resources, because it can take *forever* to find responsibly made goods otherwise.

How did you become involved or start the blog?

I was looking for resources myself and couldn't find them, at least not very easily. I was hoping to start a conversation in order to link up with other people on this same journey. It worked! In the beginning, I wasn't planning on turning StyleWise or my growing expertise into a business, but it progressed into that over time. Now it makes up almost half of my total income (I also run a charity shop). 

What is something you’ve learned, discovered, grown personally in, or something else great because of your brand/business/blog?

I've learned, above all, that people with differing points of view can and should coexist within similar niches. For instance, some of us in this wide "ethical blog" niche came to it from veganism. Others from a conservation standpoint. And then I came from it because of fair labor concerns. All of these movements and messages are very different in some ways, but yet they all aim for thoughtfulness and humanity. Staying in community, continuing to have hard conversations, and learning how to respect everyone has really opened up my world. It has given me more compassion overall.Professionally, I've become so much more confident. I heard someone say that if you study something for 7 years, you become an expert on that thing. It's really true. With a lot of dedication, you really can learn a totally new set of skills without paying to go back to school.

In an ideal situation where you had every resource at your disposal, where would your brand/business/blog be in the next 5 years?

Hmm, that's tough. For me, it's not so much about resources but about sustainable growth that can create a steady, reliable resource, both for my readers and for me as a possible income source. I see myself as a writer, photographer, and ethicist, so I don't have a dream of opening a store or starting some massive platform. In many ways, my personal goals are the same as the ones I look for in companies I promote: an eye toward flourishing for all, which doesn't need to look like having a million dollar company. 

What do you think about the future of conscious consumerism?

I worry, to be honest. It's so trendy right now and a lot of companies, startups and massive global retailers, are capitalizing on that fact. I think the future will be murkier before it gets clearer, and I hope that we start to see big picture industry change and wider accountability rather than just a huge surge in new businesses. We need reform more than we need another small business. 

What is your one piece of quick advice for anyone interested in being more ethical/sustainable/eco/etc?

Breathe. Ease up on the personal guilt - this is a collective problem. Then use what you have, shop secondhand, and shop new things from a few trusted brands. 

Just for fun, if your brand/business/blog were an Ice Cream flavour, what flavour would it be?Earl Grey Tea: tannic, complex, soothing, and accessible.

Now for some fun, let’s get to know YOU a bit better!

Do you prefer radio or podcasts?

Neither, I prefer reading news.

Books or movies/TV?

A little of both, but mostly lighthearted fiction these days. 

What or where is your happy place?

My backyard at dusk on a warm day. 

What or who inspires you the most? 

This is going to sound weird in this context, but I am inspired by the narrative of Jesus' life and teachings. 

What is one thing you've done that you're really proud of?

Negotiated for higher pay and reduced hours at the shop where I work.

Interview with Leah Wise of Style Wise Blog!